The whirlwind that is Laredo
in festive mode

Another busy month, as usual. Engagement parties, weddings, the dedication of two schools; one a beautiful new elementary school named for a friend who died too young, the other, the ribbon-cutting of the new Farias Elementary School, built to replace the venerable old campus. Deb presentations and the fun of life at its best phase. Worry over world affairs always in the corner of our minds. In other words, life as usual, as we began the last month of the year.
Sadly, we said goodbye to a beloved friend, David Casiano, who worked at the Devine Sisters Shelter for Animals for many years. A kind and gentle man, David took his work seriously and truly loved the animals in his care. We called him our "new" Erasmo. The late Erasmo Villarreal had worked for the shelter since its beginning, and both he and David became most dear to the members of the Animal Protective Society. Our condolences to David's family.
Pretty Lindsay Ann Benavides and John Ashley Chunn celebrated their engagement with a western party at the home of her grandmother, Gloria Benavides. The couple will be married in June.
It's a new baby girl for Amber and Norma Yeary. Bailey Grace Yeary arrived on Friday, November 29, at 11:32 a.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 19.5 inches. Her sister is Maegan Renee, and Grammie and Grampie (Sharon and Amber, Sr.) are thrilled!
Lovely Ann Macdonald, as principal of the beautiful new Charles R. Borchers Elementary School, presided over the dedication of the campus, with Charlie's wife Celita, his daughters, and other family members present.
His brothers E. H. and Ralph and sister Bernadette Powell greeted friends and recalled his life and career and his dedication to his beloved hometown; a fitting memorial to one whose life was cut so short. He is much missed.
In a most beautiful ceremony, lovely Rebecca Saucedo married Christopher Paul Dynes in San Agustin Cathedral, with a reception at the Laredo Country Club following. Rebecca is the daughter of good friend Diana, a devoted mainstay of the Laredo Animal Protective Society. One of the LAPS' most faithful animal lovers, Diana designs and produces the quarterly newsletter.
Rebecca was honored with several pre-nuptial socials. She and her new husband will make their home in San Antonio.
Linda Ann Laflamme and Michael Joseph Haran were honored with an engagement announcement cocktail party by a group of close family members and friends. The affair was held at the gracious home of Edward and Magda Foster, cousins of the bride-elect. Linda is the daughter of Terry Palacios Smith of Laredo. Michael's parents are Gerald and Leona Haran of Boston, Massachusetts. Linda's grandmother, Mary Dorothy Foster Palacios, beamed proudly as her family filled the rooms to congratulate the couple. Linda wore a beautiful black cocktail dress. She and Michael met while they both were working in Chicago. They now live in California, where the wedding will take place in June.
Family and friends hosting the party included Mary Dorothy Palacios, Edward and Magda Foster, Jack and Elizabeth Foster, Dody and Susan Foster, Josephine and Nando Zuniga, Josette Kahn Palacios, Anita and George Macdonald, Nancy Ager, Jennie and Barry Reed, Evelyn and Carroll Summers, Sara and Tad Brittingham, Buddy and Linda Bruni, Annie and David Dodier, Rosanne Palacios, Christina and Ken Valls, Maruca Kahn, and Gloria Coleman Flores.
Among the well-wishers were Linda's brother Michael Laflamme and his Leti, Bert and Gaby Gallagher, Lamar Gallagher, Mark and Chantal Cantu, Sylvia and Bugs Barrera, Aurora Alexander and Bessie Dodier, Dora Wolfe and Yves Aigret, Lejeune and Carlton Whitworth and Jo Emma and Ed Sherfey, Nando and Maya Zuniga, Allison and Ray Lamberth, Mary Lamar Killam, and Gary Leyendecker.
Out of town guests included Glen and Daisy Miles, Mabel Allen, Christy Cross, Delia Choate, Lindsey Choate, David and Courtney Whitworth, Celia Pryor, Stephen Cosgrove, Pati and Rene Rodriguez, Rod de Llano, Camille Whitworth, and Jim and Sylvia Whitworth. The guest list was mostly family members or close family friends. Guitar music set a romantic mood, provided by Joel Escalona and Kevin Lindberg.
A delicious buffet was served with appetizers arrayed in different rooms of the home. The main table was spread with roast suckling pig, honey baked ham, beef tenderloin, and jumbo shrimp. Any number of exotic cheeses, crackers, paté and fresh asparagus, spinach dips, and assorted pastries tempted holiday resolve. Many of the dishes were prepared by the hostesses; altogether, a very special evening.
The Society of Martha Washington season is in full swing with many parties honoring Martha and George and the debutantes. The SMW Colonial Ladies' luncheon was again held at the tenth floor suite of the Laredo National Bank. It is always a lovely affair, with the debs and their mothers or sponsors getting to meet the ladies who have been so involved in the celebration. The Colonial Ladies have served as president or Martha or both.
The formal presentation was held at the Laredo Country Club the next night. The girls in white gowns and their fathers and escorts in formal attire made a dashing scene. The girls' mothers were presented in a touching ceremony. The ballroom, with elegant columns, provided a fitting setting and the many guests enjoyed an evening of dining and dancing.
The celebration is always a time of renewing friendships, and this one is proving no exception to the rule. Joe Valadez, father of deb Alexandria, is a friend from Martin High School days. He and his lovely wife, the former Olga Lopez, lived in Laredo before moving to San Antonio. We also met Diana Virjan Castillo, another Laredoan who has made the Alamo City her home.
We wish all our readers a most joyous holiday season and a new year filled with peace and joy. We love you all. ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!